Submitted by Gareth on
in
Forums
Hi all,
I have been away from work for just under 2 weeks now and returning tomorrow. While catching back up with my e-mails I noticed that two meetings were arranged for me to attend, one today and the other I needed to reply yesterday.
Now on my return to work this will seem like I made a mistake to certain people that are higher up the pay scale than me.
I did however in my view make every effort to communicate that I would be away between certain dates. I e-mailed and then personally spoke to the programme leader to let him know I will be away, I informed other people on the programme, I have an OOR on the e-mail and have my schedule posted on the companies directory.
The meetings were scheduled by the programme leader, the person who I both e-mailed and spoke to.
The first person I look to blame in this is myself, what could I have done better? I'm not so sure I could of done anything extra and I am unsure how to approach this situation.
I am not to blame, I think... but I don't want to pass the buck and blame someone else.
Any ideas?
Regards,
Gareth
It is not my fault?
Your question really boils down to "What is the next step?" The answer could be "do nothing, get over it, and move on." Or, you could address the issue with the program manager and ask him why he called a meeting when he knew you would be out. Then you could ask him for the minutes of the meeting and any decisions that were made. Upon reviewing the minutes, if you find decisions you disagreed with as a key participant, ask him to hold another meeting shortly for you to weigh in with your opinion.
If you don't think any real negative impact happened, just forget about it and move on. Next year, you won't remember that this project even happened, much less that you missed a meeting.
It is not my fault?
Gareth:
Don't sweat this one -unless there's a negative outcome that can be justifiably linked to it (and in that case, FIX it! :lol: ).
[list][i]"Now on my return to work this will seem like I made a mistake to certain people that are higher up the pay scale than me."[/i][/list:u]
That is, if they noticed at all....
Sorry if that's a bit brutal sounding. But you're not at the center of their universe.
I'm with 41: if there's no negative outcome, put it aside. You risk looking like you should be the center of attention. Even though you wouldn't put it this way, THEY might hear: "How can you have a meeting without ME????"
-Hugh
It is not my fault?
BLUF: When automated calendering and meeting management tools are used...it is a good idea to block out times.
*Many* years ago I held a position where all company meetings had to be in the company-wide calendar management software. I kept getting scheduled into Friday afternoon meetings when I had arranged with my manager to be away. The only solution was to block out that part of my calendar each week so NO appointment would get scheduled by the scheduling algorithm.
I do not know if this would have helped you Gareth in your case.
It is not my fault?
Some more information on my return to work:
It was more of an event than a meeting, 2 people attended (3 invited) with the host wondering where I was. I now need to arrange with the host to spend a day with him which is certainly going to put him out.
My outlook calendar was blocked out for the whole time I was on leave and when the programme leader sent the invite my OOR would have told him I would be on leave until xyz (if he read it).
Thank you for your views.